MANX Telecom has begun the final phases of the introduction of its Next Generation Network (NGN) – a £25 million programme to replace its entire fixed, mobile, and broadband network with an IP based system.
Completion of these final stages will result in more than 55,000 fixed lines migrating to the new network which represents one of the biggest investments in technology the Island has ever seen.
Work to switch customers to NGN will be phased in by telephone exchange area and is expected to be completed during 2011.
The switch-over will begin with the Laxey exchange area (numbers beginning 86xxxx, but excluding ISDN lines) and will start on Monday, November 29. It is expected to be finished on Wednesday, December 22.
Work will take place between 8am and 5pm on Monday to Friday. Each line will be taken out of service for a maximum of 15 minutes within this period.
Mike Readshaw, NGN programme manager, said: "Laxey is an ideal sized exchange to start the migration process with a good mix of telephone services used by both residential and business customers.
"Unfortunately due to the size and complexity of the switch-over Manx Telecom is unable to provide specific dates and times for the change-over of individual lines and we wish to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
"Extensive testing has already taken place so we do not envisage any further service disruption other than the initial switch-over. However if customers do subsequently experience any problems with their service we would ask them to phone our 24/7 local helpline on 624624 and follow the options for support.
"A list of consumer telephones that have already been tested on the new network can be found on our website www.manxtelecom.com/ngn.
"If your telephone is not listed, and you wish to test it ahead of your line being migrated we have provided test lines in our Victoria Street Shop for your convenience and our team in the shop will be able to provide assistance should you require it."
Business customers using third party supplied telecom equipment that currently connects to the fixed line network are advised to contact their suppliers for confirmation the equipment will be compatible with an IP based network.
